Happy Birthday Martha!

My girl Martha...we've been friends for over 10 years now and you're birthday is the day before mine. I know you had a great one so I will too! And if you haven't gone your taxes done...file for an extension!

Valerie's Triathlon

On Sunday, April 11th my best friend Val participated in her first Olympic distance Tri called the Memorial Hermann Gateway to the Bay Triathlon Festival. This triathlon was held in Kemah, TX on the Boardway off Galveston Bay. So, we drove up with the dogs . . . all of them early Sunday. I mean we got up at 3am drove to Houston, dropped the dogs off at my parents then drove to Kemah. Before we got lost....ha...we were trying to met up with my girl Leanittia but that didn't happen. However, we did met up at the perfect parking space right next to her and a block away from the Tri. During the race we hung out with Leanittia, Oscar and Carmella, more supports of Val. The Tri begins with a swim of 1500 meters to offshore. After Val would have to transition and bike for two loops equaling 24.85 miles (WOW). Last she will head back to transition to put her bike back and run 6.2 miles to the finish line. It took Val about swim in 55 degree water. We don't know her final results but we think it took her about 4.5 hours to complete. While we were waiting we ate at outside at a burger joint near the finish line. Anthony and I shared ultimate burger nachos, fried pickles and a large Spirit. Can you tell we're not competing with that diet. As always with was exciting and emotional to see Val finish. After we popped champagne to her success. We knew she would be a bit hungry and Anthony and Leanittia hadn't been to the boardway so we drove the the hotel where Val was staying to let her clean up and change clothes. Little did she know Carmella helped me with the idea to get her something from us that showed we were proud of her accomplishment and we had more champagne. It was so funny because Carmella wanted her to hurry up so she started to crack the whip but it didn't help. When Val is excited she funny. So, once we got her to get ready she still didn't notice her gift until I told her to look on the table. Then she got emotional...oh goodness. I keep telling Val I'm Oprah and she's Gayle but she's turning into Oprah a little. So, we drove to the boardway on this gorgeous day listen to the live band, played games, took pictures, rode the rollercoaster and had some ice-cream before we called it a day. I am so happy we were able to be at this event it was such a fun day! We were far from my cousin Rhonda house so I called her to see if she was home and wanted so company. She was home but had just returned from a cruise so we didn't want to stay long. It got a tour of her beautiful home, and she told us was she was working on...plus we got to see her cute new furniture from Pottery Barn and we just caught up a bit while Anthony was taking a business call. We left and headed back to my parents house. It was a great Sunday!

Happy Birthday Demi!

Happy Birthday Demi Inez! I was in town but we still couldn't get together...soon! Hope you had a great day with Big Inez!

Happy Birthday Angel

Happy Birthday cuz! I told my mom but she forgot!

Happy Birthday Melva Ann!

I wasn't in town for your birthday but I am able to see you the week after. Enjoy your day girl!

Happy Birthday Sherline!

Can't believe we forgot to send your birthday card but we'll make it up to you....PROMISE! Have a wonderful day!

Congratulation to Carmen and Joesph

Our wonderful friends on the birth of their first child, daughter, Jullian Maryna Alvarez on March 4, 2010! We're going to spoil her!

Great Aunt Cindy 81st Birthday Celebration

My beautiful great Aunt Cindy's 81st birthday celebration was in Victoria, TX this year. It was so fun the days leading up to the event that my cousins and I talked on the phone to make sure everyone was coming and had a ride. We were so excited to see everyone, have my parents back in Texas and receive my wedding album and photos back and also share them with the people that hadn't seen them. Anthony and I had spoken to my Aunt Tina on the Thursday before to see if she had room for us to stay the night and to see if we could bring our dogs. And, of course she wanted us to stay and the dogs could too! It was so cool talking with her and catching up. We hadn't visit their property since before our wedding at the annual crawfish boil. It will be cool to come back again in May for that but we hadn't seen the property since that added the waterfalls and duck so it was going to be fun. We decided to drive up on Saturday morning...even then cousins were texting each other to see when they were driving up and when the were going to arrive. Anthony and I as always left our house about 30 minutes later than we expected but that we cool. The drive there was peaceful and nice...very hilly. So when we arrived it was just in time, everything was set up and people were starting to each and we were hungry. There were the two grand women, my grandmother MaDear and her sister my great Aunt Cindy. Before I knew it Anthony had snook $20 to my Aunt Tina to pin on Cindy. Once er we left the dogs potty and fixed their kennels my parents arrived. I was so happy to see them. Anthony greeted them first. They looked so good. Health, happy and in love. We helped them set up and we started to eat. As we visit the family and friends that were already there it didn't help that we let the dogs potty because Duncan pottied on the beverage cooler...very embarrassing! I sat with my cousins Crystal, Meka and Tonya and we just caught up. Anthony came over with food...ooops! I thought he was fixing me food to but he only fixed his plate. So, he ate and then fixed my food. After my cousins Rhonda, Medric and Amena arrived with My Caleb! It was so great to see them. Once everyone was finished eating I showed all who hadn't seen my wedding album and pictures. We just hung out several hours after in and out of the house because it was an extra windy day in Victoria. I mean Victoria is like 45 minutes from Corpus Christi but it felt like it was right next to the water. Once we final stayed inside the house for awhile my Aunt Tina brought out the bottle of Bitch Wine. Yes, that was the actual name of it. Once she poured us all a glass I taste it and it taste like communion wine from Church. I told my cousin to drink it slow because sweet wine has lots of sugar and could make you sick with a hang over. But, my cousin Rhonda was loving it and drank her's up. While it took me at least an hour. After we talked about being on Facebook, the crawfish boil in May, the family trip in June and the family reunion after Labor Day. We have some many up coming events planned for our family. Anthony and I both decided we need to visit his family in Miami and his dad in Jamaica at least twice a year. Which is totally cool with me. And, hopefully one day we'll be able to take a vacation with them instead of just visiting. It started to get late. Anthony was playing (or trying to play dominoes) with my cousins and I was cold so my cousin Darrell let me wear his jacket. I was outside with them for awhile but it started to get colder so Anthony told Alexis kennel inside. I took Duncan and told my dad to take Buster. As we were taking the dogs in I told my dad that Anthony and I wanted to see my cousin Terric's land and he has acreage and had built an apartment on the land. But, my dad said they had just come from there. So, after we put the dogs inside I found Terric and told him we wanted to see it before it got to dark. However, I noticed my cousin Rhonda was laying on the couch....hmmm....that Bitch got her. As we were walking to the car we said go bye to family that was leaving. We drive in my SUV to Terric's land it was Anthony, Terric, Darrell, Duncan and me. We stayed over there for about 30 minutes but when we came back my parents were gone. I was a bit upset but that was okay. After I need to take my contact out so we went in our room and Donishea and Roby came in to talk and see the wedding stuff. It was so cool reminisce with her and telling our husband about our mischievous way back in our youth and still got it a bit in our adulthood. We stayed in that room for about an hour just talking when my Aunt Tina came in to check on us. After we went back into the living room where everyone else was getting ready to leave. It was a great day and I were so happy we were able to attend, during the day Anthony had filmed us hanging out. So, were watched it before we went to sleep in our Bed and Breakfast room (inside joke). The next morning we got up ate breakfast with my Aunt Tina, Uncle Nat, MaDear, Uncle Red, Aunt Ray and Terric. Ater they left to drive back to Louisiana. I was missing MaDear already! Terric received a call that Darrell forgot his phone was going to meet him half way to Houston...Anthony was going to ride with him but we thought we would be leaving...little did we know we spent the morning hanging with my Aunt Tina. After eating, talking with Tina, hanging out side walking the property and playing with the dogs we were ready to go. But before we did we when to my Aunt's deceased mom's house that she and her sibling were trying to sell. Anthony toured the house and gave her some advise. After we drove back to their house, packed the bags, loaded the car and said go bye to Tina and Illethia. My Uncle Nat had left before to go to church and wasn't back. We put the car in drive and Terric just got back. We both we like should we stay as my Aunt wanted us to stay for dinner but we wanted to get back home. We'll try to stay next time. On our way home Anthony and I both had a bigmac attack so we stopped at Mickey D's. I was driving at this point. Why did we ever do that because we got MAD lost. We found ourselves on I35 instead of 183 but that was okay we knew our way home. Still don't know how I got lost but I got us home. We got home called my parents, Aunt Tina and Rhonda. It was a great weekend. Wish we could have more of those!

We've Launched

Since August '09 Emmanuel and I have talked about really working together on his internet company MassMediaJobs where he was CEO and I was the CFO since 2004. However, in August right before I was laid-off he was thinking of selling it. I didn't want him to and if he did I wanted to purchase it. Funny I was laid off that same week and it gave me the opportunity to work with Ewow and let him know my ideas we started discussing and in October he visited me in and we decided to move forward with improving the site and me investing in the company with creative rights. And, now our long talks, hard work and funds put into the company as paid off with the launch of our new site Gypsy Media Group. Now Ewow is the Founder and CEO and I am President and COO. We are so excited for the future our company and hope it bring great opportunity and much success. I'll keep you posted! But you can follow us any time of Twitter and Facebook! Cheers to GMG!

Marriage Project

This has been such a fun week! We were sent an email late last year regarding a study UT that is conducting for newly weds to research their first 1 1/2 of marriage. We were sent our first packet that held the 1st 50 page questionnaire. We scheduled out meeting for Sunday morning at 10am, after Anthony got off and would have enough time to change clothes. However, this weekend became a busy one. Natasha and I were out until midnight so I was a bite tired this morning since I didn't get to bed until around 1m but Anthony called me at 5:40am to pick him up from work so I laid there for 10 minutes got up with the dogs and drove to pick him up. It was rainy and my stomach was feeling well. So, after we pick him up we went to HEB to pick up so meds for an upset stomach. Got home fed the dogs and started our questionnaire. I planned on working on it last night but was too tired. So we both completed our packets got ready and drove downtown. (Anthony took a few quick naps before he finished) Not sure the map of the UT complex we found the location without problem. It was so cute the ladies that conducted the 1st appt were holding a sign. We introduced ourselves and started the project. We completed several fun task and discussions like chronical our relations, find the precentage of our success from dating to marriage, name the date of milestones like, day we met, meeting in-laws, first time we said I love you, and announce our engagement. We also preformed four taped discussion of our choice first was a issue he wanted which was disciplining the dogs, mine was communication then we had to discuss something personally we wanted to accomplish. Anthony choose working out and our health and wanting me to join the and I wanted to discuss my working situation and doing volunteer work. After they gave us our next assignment to do daily saliva swabs and keep a journey for 12 day. It was a cool experience and we can't wait for our next session.

Happy Birthday Daddy & Duncan

Too cute today is my father's birthday as well as our dog Duncan Punkin's birthday. My dad has been celebrating his birthday with the family dogs for a while now. Our family dog Princess was born on his birthday and my dog Duncan was born on his birthday 11 years ago. It's just a special day all around. We love you very much Daddy! Happy Birthday! And...to my Duncan you'll always be my puppy.

Who Dat?

Yes...you heard me, the New Orleans Saints win over the Indianapolis Colts 31 to 17 in Miami, FL at Superbowl XLIV, Sunday, February 7th . We knew the only way the Saint weren't going to win this was the QB-Drew Brees had to be on is game and QB-Peyton Madden had to be a bit off. Of course, Drew Brees completing 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. You GO BOY!!! We are so happy for the team and the city of New Orleans. There is going to be some parting going on since the won and its Mardi Gras celebration too! Party Safely!

Happy 21st Birthday Dontae!

My favorite nephew's 21st birthday is today. Now he didn't celebrate his 18, 19 or 20 very much but he's 21st falls on the weekend plus it's Superbowl Sunday and Mardi Gras. So party hard baby, have fun and be safe! We love you very much!

2010 Cute Couples Contest

For fun Anthony and I entered the Austin360's 2010 Cuties Couples Contest. There were 424 couples that entered...we were number 221 our total rating was 39.6% cute and 60.4% not. Only to top 10 cuties couple went to the finale and they all had a score of 79% cute or better. It was fun and we thank all our friends and family that helped us compete! Till next year!

Happy Birthday Husband!

Today is Anthony's birthday. He drove to Houston to pick up Duncan and me. Poor thing was so tired...he drove straight from work. So, we had breakfast with my parents and I drove back home. For his birthday he received a massage, funny birthday card, inspirational note card, a signed Joel Osteen book and we plan to have a special dinner!

Colts vs Saints

I ran a few errands for my parents and helped my dad prepare food for today. I ended up peeling a lot of potatoes, then slicing them for the homemade hamburgers we were having. They were so good. But I watched most of the games with my dad. To no surprise I voted that the SuperBowl would be between the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. I think this is going to be a good SuperBowl. My nephew's 21st birthday is that same day so he should have a good time. We won't be celebrating with him until the week after. It should be lots of fun! Getting back to the game, I know Brett Favre is proud of himself as he has do very well. And I like Peyton Manning, he is a wonderful quarterback however, my family is from New Orleans so I have to back Drew Brees and the Saints! Good luck to both teams!

Hope for Haiti

Wow from the mud slides in California and Arizona to the horrible earthquake the hit Haiti we much help these unfortunate souls. Anthony and I didn't have much to donate but we wanted to help somehow. So, on Friday I was all set to toggle between the games and the telethon. I started to call, call and call be the line was always busy. I thought it would be cool to speak to a celebrity. But, after the 7th try I gave up and just donated online. It's not too late if you would like to support the efforts for Haiti relief go to http://www.hopeforhaiti.com/ I've been trying to keep up with efforts here in Austin as we would like to volunteer our time to assist.

I'm sure George Clooney has heard this before but bless you for putting this together. The millions of dollars donated will help a lot.

Great Well Soon

My mother had planned eye surgery and I wanted to be there to help my dad take care of things around the house. My sister and I are really close to our parents and even if its a minor surgery we need to see our parents and know they are okay. So, the surgery was Wednesday morning and we got to Houston that evening. Before we got to my parent's house Anthony had a few errands so we ate at TGI Friday, but ate in the car as we had the dogs with us. Once we got to my parents house my Mom was in her room, she looked really good but was tired. So we hung out with my Dad then went to bed. The next morning Anthony had to go back to Austin and I planned to stay until Monday. We would like to thank all our family and friends that prayed for a safe surgery and quick recovery for my mother. Thanks you so much for caring!

Movie Night

So, there are several good movies out and we've been wanting to see Sherlock Holmes. So we did and it was really good. It was clever, different and unpredictable. We recommend it if you haven't seen it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEE

Today is my sister's 39th birthday. She has accomplished so much in her life and we wish her all the best in the years to come. We already are discussing the huge party we want to have next year for the milestone she and my brother in law will meet at 40 & 45 years old. Next year will be off the hook for real! We love you my sister and Happy Happy Birthday to ya! We love you so very much. May you enjoy this day the Lord has made.

So f4r so. . . Great!

So, it's the 4th day of the new year and Anthony has already sold a house. My first home as been available since August 2009 however, this was terrible timing...very similar to when I moved to Austin. It seems after the summer people don't look to move. Especially if they have kids because school has begun again and people start to get ready for the holidays. But, my hubby had been working it hard since after the wedding. We had a potential buyer but she flaked out at the very last minute and I mean it. The week we were to close she changed her mind. Oh well, her decision but we keep the deposit as agreed so it wasn't a total lost. So, we are on our way back to Austin with the dogs.

3rd Times A Charm

So today is Sunday I wake up let Duncan out to potty. Worked on GMG, talk a little to Ewow and watch Lakewood as normal. Even if I attend live church yesterday on the Sabbath day I still like to watch if I'm not there. Took my bath and worked some more on GMG. Anthony needed me to change out the locks on the house and just make sure everything was in order. Of course I had no idea how to change a lock but Val-The Tool Lady did. So I got several quotes on lock smiths and call one company to come over. They did and he opened the door no problem however we had a bit of misunderstand on the fee. After talking to his management we settled on a fair price. Val and I rode up to HomeDepot found a lock and a lock box and spoke with one of her associates. Then headed back to the house. The locks were in that hard plastic so I borrowed scissors from the neighbors, Val is a repairing fool. She had the old lock off and the new lock on in a few minutes. After I returned the scissors and talked to my neighbors for awhile to caught up then said goodbyes. It such a wonderful neighborhood. I've owned there eleven years and most of the residents still live there. Val and I headed back to her house. Ordered pizza, worked on our laptops and just had girl talk for the rest of the night. It was cool! Thanks again Val!

January 2nd

So today is Saturday. Anthony left me in Houston as he had to go back to work so he and Alexis returned to Austin. I stayed because I needed to get something done to my Houston residence and he was returning on Monday as he had a closing in Houston. Once Anthony left we got ready as we had kidnapped Ashan long enough so we took him home and ate at Frenchy's Chicken on Scott. I mean it has been years...like 9 or 10 since I've eaten there. It was good and I enjoyed it. After we drove back to Vals. I thought my cousin Donyale's house party was today but when I called my Mom she confirmed it was yesterday and we missed it. Darn. I'll see him next time. So, Val wanted to start attending church at Lakewood on Saturday night as this is a mega church and with her schedule Saturday's are best. As my previous post advise I watch Lakewood every Sunday I don't attend church. I was excited to attend church in there new location in Houston. When we arrived everyone was nice, happy and casual. The come as you are church I like. In the new location we didn't know where to go so I saw a friendly face and asked. So interesting this man introduced us to a lady named Dalatta (very similar to my sister's name) however, she looked like Anthony's mom. She asked Val about joining the church and all the groups and activities it has to offer. As we were walking we noticed we were on the floor level and they asked us to wait to be seated. We ended up waiting for about 3-5 minutes. It was okay because the choir was singing and it was the best! Then the guide told us to follow him and as we walked closer, closer and closer to front row, I grabbed Val's hand. They walked us to the first row seats 2 and 3. OMG!!! In the next section over was Joel and his family. We were both overcome with warm good feels. The Christian music concert went on for about 30 minutes. Then Joel came up and gave us the beautiful message of a new day and have faith. He did get a bit chocked up but I think it's because of the hope he has for his Christian sisters and brothers. After he asked if anyone wanted pray...so I went up and prayed for my parents health and the pray the my husbands faith strengthen. The lady that prayed for my family had such touching words that I began to cry and I mean CRY! So I walk back to my seat and Val is waiting on pray. She was prayed for by Joel Osteen's Mom, Dodie Osteen. She looked really good and healthy. It was such a wonderful service. And, I hope I'm able to join Valerie again soon! It was a great 2nd day!

January 1st

It's about 8am in the morning and our dogs need to go potty. So I get up...but at that moment I was so happy and thankful. Here I am with my husband and dogs (which are my kids) in a new year. I felt so blessed and excited! In that moment, I knew this year would be a challenging one, but one full of success and next wonderful beginnings. The dogs and I quietly made it to the back door and let them out. I didn't see Brandice or Leannittia, as I thought they were going to stay. But, Ashan was sleeping on the couch. I check in the other bedrooms and saw Carmella and Val. I when back upstairs and wash my face and brushed my teeth. But, I was hungry so I went back downstairs. Ashan woke up, then Val and Carmella. No surprise Anthony was still asleep. My sweetheart is a terrible sleeper. He never wants to go to sleep but when he does he crashes. His body is in hibernation. Once Val got up she made breakfast and we all ate and sat around talking with our blankets on. It was such a relaxing day. We just reflected on last night and our resolutions for this year. But then everyone started to nod off...first Val, then Ashan then Carmella. So, I went back upstairs and called my parents and sister to wish then happy new year. It was just me the dogs and Valerie's cats were awake. For about 2 hours everyone was out but then I heard a noise. Carmella was getting ready, Ashan was up, but he ate the remainder of the breakfast so when Anthony woke up he had to eat leftovers. Val woke up and we watched Transformers and hung out. Brandice called and left her credit card and id, so she was on her way back to pick those items up. Once she got there we ate some more, played Family Fued, Scattergories, Taboo, Catch Phrase and Wii Sport. It was a lot of fun. Anthony was the first to fall asleep and me. Day 1 was a good day!

New Years Eve 2010

After my friends visited in October we decided to have a new years eve party at my BBF Val's house. Before Thanksgiving I sent out an Evite and invited several friends. After all the Maybe-s and No-s we have about 30 RSVPs which is a good number. Val and I are in charge of decoration, drinks, ice, cups napkins, utensils, games, music, pictures & video. And Leanittia and Brandice cooked and made dessert. Leanittia also was the bartender. So, on Thursday our bags were packed got the dogs and drove to Houston. I hadn't gotten the decoration yet so once we made it to Houston, we stopped by Party City (where everyone and their Mom was at) found cute flutes, decorations, balloons, and noise makers. We picked up the sodas and ice and I wanted a cute outfit so Anthony took me to the mall, which I thought would be crowded but it wasn't and headed to Vals. Once we got there we helped her get things together. Started to decorate and get in the mood. We knew this was going to be a fun night. Brandice came over and help her prepare some of the food, but most of hers was ready. Then Leanittia and her bestfriend from ATL arrived and we helped her finish her food preparation. After, it was getting closer to the start of the party so Brandice, Anthony and I went upstairs to get ready. Unfortunately, I missed meeting Hummer but I'll meet him next time. Once I was ready we started to get several phone calls for directions and sooner than you know the party began. We had right at our estimate of 30 people. We ate, ate and ate some more. Drank, drank and drank a lot. Danced, danced and danced some more. Then we started to play games (MadGab) terrible...this game was to hard for people who had been consuming alcohol to understand. That being said the team Anthony and I were on won! Next thing we know it's time to count down. 3-2-1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! There were kisses and hugs and happy new year gestures all over the place. Nothing but love! The Dick Clark show and BET had live performances that we tuned into. Totally the song of the night was Rhianna...So Hard! The great thing was that everyone made it home safely and we all had a great time. Hope you did it's 2010 BABY!